Saint Mary's College of California Reviews

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Julianne from Yakima, WA

01/25/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 out of 18 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students that want to be challenged, both in and outside the classroom. Do not have to be Catholic, there are opportunities for all kinds of people of different interests and religions. People that enjoy a small campus but with the excitement of a big city close by.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus, you'll know if it's right. Apply for scholarships if you're worried about financial issues. Get to know adults on campus, it's amazing the opportunities they can open up for you.

Bang for the buck

It is expensive, but it is most definitely worth it. The school is very helpful when it comes to financial aid. There are on-campus jobs and off-campus jobs that are posted on the school website for students at St. Mary's.

Am enjoying being here

I'm out of state, yet I feel right at home here. I have amazing roommates and floor-mates. Everyone here is welcoming and you're guaranteed to find your own niche and group. There are so many things to get involved in and do both on and off campus.

Am learning a lot

The Seminar Program is eye-opening and challenging. It pushes you to develop your own ideas and beliefs and challenge other students to do the same. The professors know you by name and have abundant office hours if you need help in class or just need to chat. The students and professors learn from each other and teach each other through questions and discussions.

Karen from San Francisco, CA

10/14/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

13 out of 13 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Do not be concerned about being religious. We have people of all backgrounds, races, gender, sexuality, religious beliefs here on campus and everyone is treated equally and with respect. Just because it is a Catholic school does not mean you must be Catholic or even religious to attend. It does mean however that 2 religion courses will be required to graduate but they are not difficult and it is a great to be educated about religion as it is plays a huge role in society. Even if you don't believe in it, it is good to know what people mean when they say the forbidden fruit or know who Moses is, it should be considered general education. Students that are looking for a quite environment rich with opportunities to be involved in the community while getting a top notch education should strongly consider what Saint Mary's has to offer. At the very least, come by to check it out! We have student ambassadors that love school this school as much as I do and are dying to tell you why.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely come to campus to check it out, especially if you are in the area. I fell in love with the school when I came here to check it out because at first the idea of a small and secluded school didn't appeal to me, but once I saw for myself the beauty of this place I couldn't resist. They have various overnight programs for accepted students to get to know what the school is about before deciding. Definitely apply, especially since they are pretty generous with waiving application fees, it is worth while to give it a shot. The school is getting more and more well known and it amazes people because we are this tiny Catholic school but we've made it to the 5th place I believe on Forbes magazine of colleges who's graduates make the most money in 10 years. We are up there with Stanford and UC Berkeley. We were also ranked in US News and Weekly as one of the top schools on the West coast and we have numerous famous and successful alumni that love this school so much they are constantly supporting it. This school is truly one of the nation's best educational institutions and we are known for that as well.

Bang for the buck

While the sticker price of the school is around 50,000 like all other private schools, I believe over 80% of the students that attend Saint Mary's have some kind of financial aid, whether academic or need based. There are so many free services here such as free plays, games, activities, clubs, shows, recreational classes, etc, that it is really worth it because everything is paid for. Isn't it nice for the teachers that you are paying so much money for to actually know your name? Also, if money is a concern there are many jobs available on campus as well as outside of the campus in the Walnut Creek area to help pay tuition. In the end all those little nice things, like free planners, weekend of welcome (the first weekend of school for freshman where activities are planned to get everyone familiarized with the school), and the free bbq every wednesday afternoon (community time), really makes it more worth it. Even now, a public UC school costs 30,000 dollars so the gap is no longer as big as it used to be.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful, the buildings on campus is reminiscent of Spanish Missions and there are trees and grass all over campus. The campus certainly has enough room for anything you need, but is compact enough to walk from one side to another in no more than 10 minutes. The weather is pretty nice, it is sunny during the day but it gets cool during the night and morning. These is a feeling of peace on campus that is perfect for an educational institution and really gets you in the mood for learning and being relaxed. They offer many things to the students such as dances and events held by the Campus Activities Board. Some of the things that I've attended is friendship bracelet making night, Salsa lessons, and a pretty big school dance. They offer yoga, pilates, and other fitness classes that are free for students to attend. They also have a counseling center, where you can get a therapist or counselor to talk to for free to manage stress. There are many clubs and organizations that are on campus to be a part of and many of them go on trips to San Francisco, Southern California, and Tahoe during winter.

Am learning a lot

This college is an excellent school if your goal of going to college is for an education. The class sizes are small, about 30 students in my largest class section which is General Chemistry and my smallest class, Seminar, probably has about 15 or so students. For a lot of science major students, the first year of General Chem is the hardest however the professors hear have open office hours and various on campus tutoring centers to help with the subject. Same is available for Math and English courses as well. As a freshman in the Honors/Science living learning community, which is a special dorm that houses the head of the math department as well as honors program, I can literally knock on my neighbor's door, and a math professor is out to help me with my homework even if it is something as trivial and reviewing how to factor polynomials. For students that really want to learn, the Seminar program is excellent as it teaches students the basic historical ideas and literature throughout time that any educated person should know. Also, if you are planning on attending graduate school, the professors and programs here are really designed to hold your hand and help you get a good grade instead of a large school or even worst, a large public school (like a UC) where their main goal is to see who is the last one standing.

Quiet and hard-working and for people who are happy and like to have fun.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

No unusual traditions but the cross overlooking the campus is one tremendous hike.

Bang for the buck

It is a very expensive school and what you get is a name and quality education.

What to do for fun

The game room on campus has a great arsenal of things to do.

Food and Dining

The menu is not varied and usually lacks in authenticity. The fruit is always questionable to how fresh it is.

Dorm Life

Great system of matching room mates and suite mates.

Academic Rigor

Heavy reading load but easy to get used to.

Tips for prospective students

Get to know your professors and office staff.

In three sentences

The campus is beautiful and quiet making it a remarkable place to have an education. It is very easy to concentrate and learn in the small class sizes and with professional staff. Excellent sciences building.

Alexis from Morro Bay, CA

08/12/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

5 out of 5 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I feel extremely safe at this university. Upon arrival, there is a toll booth where Public Safety officers check in students (mainly at night or during big events) and officers can easily be found around campus. The students are extremely kind and I rarely locked my door throughout the day. SMC goes above and beyond to make its students feel safe.

Greek Life

SMC does not have a Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

SMC offers many clubs and activities ranging from community service and student government to on campus games and sports teams. The Intercultural Center has many clubs and events, as well, including the BSU Black Student Union and Pacific Islander group. Academic clubs are available including the AMA and an honors society.

Great for these types of students

SMC is great for first generation students and there is even an academic office that specifically helps them transition into college life. Saint Mary's is a good choice for serious students who still want to have fun.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

At the beginning of each year, freshmen can participate in Paint the SMC where they go up to the cement SMC letters on the hillside and paint them in the school colors. P.S. There are no paintbrushes allowed, so it is a messy and fun way to start off the year and meet your classmates.

Bang for the buck

SMC has a unique 4-1-4 semester system. We have four-month long semesters with a one month January Term break in between. During Jan term, students study only one class not necessarily related to their majors. This gives them time to explore other interests or pursue individual projects like community service. Last year, one of my friends took a course on chocolate making during this time and travel courses are available for Jan Term, too.

What to do for fun

On campus, there are plenty of clubs to get involved with and the school also offers numerous activities throughout the year like indoor rock climbing trips and even tickets to Cirque du Solei. Basketball games are the highlight of the year when it comes to school spirit--especially when we play our Gonzaga rivals. San Francisco and Berkely are just a short BART ride away if you feel like having some fun in the city, too.

Food and Dining

There is only one cafeteria on campus since SMC is so small. It is pretty good quality, but it gets old after a while. It is clean, but the hours are a little inconvenient (late night starts at 9 and ends at 11, so if you are studying at midnight and get hungry, you better have some snacks in your dorm room).

Dorm Life

I always feel safe living on campus at SMC. My roommate and I rarely locked our door and I frequently left my new laptop in the hall. Nothing was ever stolen from us. The halls and bathroom stayed surprisingly clean, as well.

Academic Rigor

The classes require regular attendance and serious effort. The teachers do care about each student, though, and offer to meet during office hours for extra help. SMC also provides an academic advisor, writing center, and tutors if needed.

Tips for prospective students

I recommend that prospective students attend an overnight program since they give you a feel for the college and you can spend the night in a dorm with a current student. It is helpful to contact the school and talk about scholarships, as well.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a great college with small class sizes, caring teachers, and a friendly student body. There are plenty of opportunities for students interested in academics, sports, leadership, community service, and more. I definitely recommend this campus for anyone serious about their education and looking for an amazing college experience.

Maxwell from Concord, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Their are a few unusual traditions at SMC. Such as stuffing as many people as possible into a phone booth. Also painting SMC on a large bolder above the school on the hill behind the campus.

Bang for the buck

Saint Mary's may be expensive, but it is definitely worth every penny. The average cost of attendance per year is just over $50,000, but the Saint Mary's program is unmatched by any other college in the state.

What to do for fun

There are a ton of things to do in and around the college you can explore the neighboring cities for restaurants and clubs to go to. Also if you want a night on the town San Francisco is only 20 minutes away. It is a great place to live.

Food and Dining

One of my favorite things about Saint Mary's College is their dinning hall and food options. They offer a Cart de Blanche meal plan which is unlimited food at almost any time of day or night. As well as the meal plan the food is amazing.

Dorm Life

The dorms are kind of small which is a negative, but as long as you like your roommate and can connect with other people in your residence halls its like the whole floor is your dorm room. Also the dorms are separated by sex by floor so the dorms are coed, but men and women are on separate floors.

Academic Rigor

The Academic program at Saint Mary's is on of a kind. Aside from getting a major they really make sure you receive a fully rounded education through their diversity requirements and Jan term. They also offer a lot of tutoring and assistance in order to make sure every student will succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should definitely visit the campus before they make decisions on where they want to go for college. As well as schedule an interview with an admissions officer it is very insightful to how the campus is run and may help you make a decision on where you want to go.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's College of California has one of the most beautiful campus' I have seen. As well as small class sizes which makes it easy to get all of your classes. SMC also, gives exceptional help and instruction on what classes you should be taking for any major.

Chelsea from Clovis, CA

06/25/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

I think that this college is perfect for students that want a nice, easy transition into the real world. It has numerous people that are always willing to help you, but know when to let you do it on your own. Also, it's a nice transition size; bigger than your own room, but smaller than a 100,000 population. Lastly, the classes make you feel involved and as though your opinion is genuinely wanted and appreciated.

Tips for prospective students

Tips for new or prospective students: 1. get immediately involved in a club or two to meet awesome new people and feel like you belong somewhere, 2. always pay attention to your professors; they may just teach you more than just what's in the lesson, and 3. the experiences that you have here will always stay with you, so make them ones to remember!

Bang for the buck

yes, the tuition is quite high, but it is definitely worth it. The housing acommodations are nice, the food is excellent, the classes are fantastic and enriching, and the people are absolutely great!

Am enjoying being here

I love this college! It is absolutely gorgeous, the size is cozy (not huge, not suffocating), the people are supportive and encouraging, and the academics and extracurricular activities make it even more exciting. Projects are constantly ongoing around the campus, it makes it feel just right.

Am learning a lot

I learn so much in each class that it amazes me sometimes. I can't believe how much professors can teach me in a small amount of time, and I love the interaction between students and their professors on different topics and information.

Stephanie from Oakland, CA

Know or have some kind of idea to what career path you want to take. There will be classes to help you figure it out, but it would be nice to have an idea so you don't waste time, money and effort.

Bang for the buck

I'm not so sure because the tuition is really expensive as well as the textbooks. Being a part of the engineering program, I learned that I'll be taking general courses and preparation classes for three years and then get transferred to a school for 2 years, and that's when I'll receive my bachelor's degree; wheras, I can go to a school and receive my Bachelor's within three years. I have checked the schedules for engineering students, and they seem pretty similar. I know if an education is worthy, price shouldn't matter. But within taking a summer class at a community college, I have found the same important value in education, and I have learned so much. I think neither is better than the other. The prices are very different. I feel like if I'm receiving the same kind of education, then why should it be so expensive at SMC?

Am enjoying being here

I like how SMC has community events for students to get to know one another. I also enjoyed having the pleasure to meet many new people. Additionally, I liked my classes and my professors. My concerns just included the loud turkeys and the terrifying raccoons.

Am learning a lot

I am amazed with how much I learned within a year. Within the courses I've taken, I really enjoyed seminar because it allows us to analyze our readings, confront many topics and learn about different views. I think seminar enables its students to dig deeper and to arrange our thoughts vocally. I think it molds us to be better communicators. I also enjoyed my English and Cross Cultural classes because our class was arranged like a seminar. Additionally, in math and physics, the professors I had really understood the material and thoroughly taught it to us. I like the various methods they used and how they interacted with the class to make sure we really understood. Apart from the material, I also learned a lot about my community and myself. I learned that it's not enough to go over the material but to really engage in the problems, so that I understand instead of memorize.

Reyna from Hercules, CA

07/17/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

People who don't mind reading a lot. Part of the GE requirement includes four semesters of seminar, which is basically an English class including books from all genres and time eras (ie. Aristotle, Kafka). Another requirement is to take two semesters of religious studies, which is also heavily reading based. Everyone is very open minded, and while it's a Catholic school, you don't have to be Catholic to attend.

Tips for prospective students

Visit the campus. If you can't see yourself going to school there, you probably don't want to go there. Also, if you get the chance, go to one of the overnight programs to get a real feel for the campus and the people there. Do your research as well. Some programs at SMC require that you follow very specific guidelines that have a four-year plan. If people who work in admissions visit your high school, go to the meeting because they can really answer your questions and they might mention something that you might not think of.

Bang for the buck

The tuition is high, and it's going to keep getting higher (but this is the case for all colleges). The school gives huge amounts of financial aid, and mine managed to pay about 1/3 of my tuition (excluding loans). There are plenty of free services such as free tutoring and counseling. They make an effort to get you out in four years, and that's what made the real difference in price considering that some people get stuck in states for six years. Since I'm part of the subject-matter prep program for future secondary teachers, it's an even bigger bonus that I'll be able to skip over some of the state testing, which really holds people up.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is beautiful, and I personally found joy studying outside on a warm day. There are some real personalities here, but that's part of its greatness. The biggest con is that everything closes early except Safeway. Moraga is far from a college city, but it's close enough to cities with shopping centers and malls. You can also get to the city via BART, which is only a bus ride away.

Am learning a lot

I've never felt so eager to go to class. A lot of the professors I've had are passionate about what they're teaching, and it really translates into the material. The class sizes are small and a lot of them are discussion based (specifically the seminar program), so professors actually know about you as a person as well as you as a student. Because these classes are discussion based, you learn from your classmates as well.

Student from Sacramento, CA

08/26/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who want a close-knit community, want to be leaders and involved, open-minded, they do place emphasis on LaSallian tradition (Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve) and the Catholic heritage, but anyone of any faith is welcome and adds to the different perspectives, students who want to get more out of college than just a degree

Tips for prospective students

If you are interested in a school then you should make an effort to visit it, watch videos (many schools including St. Mary's have YouTube videos), e-mail admissions officers, and try to get in touch with current and/or former students

Bang for the buck

The financial aid office is open to talking with prospective students about their financial situations, but there is only so much they can do. They offer merit scholarships, but they don't cover a lot of the costs. Of course there's the FAFSA, but they said that the money the government is giving out through that is going down, so their financial aid packages aren't completely stable on that side of things. However, scholarship websites like Cappex exist for that sort of thing, and in the end I believe that the superb education St. Mary's offers makes the cost worth it.

Will enjoy being here

I have visited twice and both times I felt extremely welcome by students and faculty and staff. They also have a lot of activities to get involved in and it as a small school it is close-knit. It is sort of A City on a Hill but it is not too far from the city for weekend trips, and there's plenty of events going on around campus because most people live on campus.

Will learn a lot

St. Mary's has a top-notch liberal arts and sciences foundation that is equivalent to that of bigger name schools. The teacher to student ratio is small, and when I attended a preview day most of the students said their largest class sizes were under 40 students. I'm not that much into science, but they do offer great undergrad research opportunities. Also as a liberal arts school it would be really hard not to learn a lot and be exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking.

Kelsey from Sacramento, CA

01/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

moraga is located near a multitude of transportation options. county connection bus lines, bart (bay area rapid transit), and caltrain are all ways to get around the bay area. shopping and walking around walnut creek is a popular pastime for students on the weekends. san francisco is also a nearby city that students tend to go to.

Food and Dining

saga's food is pretty unpredictable. some days the food will be very tasty and you will want to go back for seconds. other days, the food will be very bland or there will be little choice of what you can choose to eat during that meal. often times the meal in the vegetarian section of the cafeteria will be repeated for both lunch and dinner. sometimes the company will try to post what food is being served that day but most times, it isn't up to date.

Dorm Life

the dorms are pretty much standard to other colleges. i do appreciate the fact that the dorms at saint mary's have sinks in the rooms. it is very convinient to get ready in the morning in the comfort of your own room.

Academic Rigor

the academic rigor generally depends on the professor you have that semester. i found the work challenging but rewarding.

Tips for prospective students

don't be afraid to explore the local cities around moraga, such as lafayette or walnut creek.

In three sentences

saint mary's college is a fantastic school for personal help in class and overall academics. the professors truly care about how their students' success in the classroom and it is easier to talk to professors when the class size is smaller than larger universities. i would encourage anyone who wants more personal academic help to consider saint mary's college.

Sandra from CA

we've had some incidents on the campus, but our public safety officers on campus are always sweet and helpful. if you need anything, all you need to do is call public safety.

Greek Life

none, sorry. but there are sisterhood and brotherhood clubs that could make up for them.

Clubs and Activities

there are a huge range of clubs and activities and you may find what you are looking for, but if you want greek life, you won't find it at saint mary's.

Great for these types of students

this would be great for students coming from small high schools that prefer the personal relationships with teachers and other students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the cross, the smc, the statue, the lake, the log...there are so many places at saint mary's to explore. it's so much fun when you find a place to explore, either on your own or with a group of friends.

Bang for the buck

saint mary's is a lot of buck obviously since it's a private school, but in my opinion, the price is nothing compared to what you get in return. these days, a 4 year guarantee is worth a lot more than for what it's going for. what you pay at the end of 4 years here could potentially be a lot less than five or even six years at another university. compared to other schools, i would definitely rank saint mary's as one of the top schools in california and even the west coast. if you're still not convinced, i say come for a visit.

What to do for fun

parties, dances, clubs, and the surrounding cities around saint marys gives you something to do when you need a break and on the weekends. be warned though that during basketball season, nothing is off limits. if you want to know more about this specific topic of saint mary's, stop by for a weekend or better yet, sign up for gael for a day and the students will show you how great it will be to be a gael!

Food and Dining

there are days when the food is amazing or when they have special days like taco tuesday or sundae sundays. most of the time however, you will find the same food every day so make sure to try it all so you don't feel like you're falling into a boring routine, and definitely try the garden section.

Dorm Life

the dorm life is amazing. you become great friends with the girls or guys in your hall. it's so much fun and the ra's always have a fun activity for the students to participate in.

Academic Rigor

saint mary's has really great classes and even a jan term, but compared to my standards, the classes could be harder. sometimes i feel that it's pretty much senior year of high school, but with more reading and studying. as long as you actually study, you should do fine.

Tips for prospective students

make sure that you look at everything saint mary's has to offer and that you are comfortable with it. it's a small school with a close-knit community. don't let the private school label and cost scare you, it's so much more than it seems and if you really want it, the cost can be covered.

In three sentences

saint mary's college is an amazing school. here you will meet amazing people and professors that will teach you a lot about yourself and life. be prepared to leave high school behind because you literally grow more as a person and student in your first year, than you have in your four years of high school.

Rachel from Castro Valley, CA

bay area rapid transit (bart) is available to go to either san francisco or to san jose (transfer to caltrain). city is always close from the campus where you can seek a small day trip to explore.

Food and Dining

food may not be great on campus because there is only one dining hall, yet there is a cafe, that bakes wonderful pastry and services starbucks brewing coffee.

Dorm Life

since this is a small college campus, not all students are required to live on campus but freshman. you can bring your vehicle and it is free to have parking permit. great single gender hall dorm life, but can be bit boring because dorms are excluded from the downtown.

Academic Rigor

this is the best part of this campus. this campus provides with the best faculty who are always available to help you and connect to you. professors are vey knowledgable and has a seminar based classes instead of lecture based classes so that students can participate and understand their learnings.

Jacklyn from MI Wuk Village, CA

02/13/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

saint mary's is pretty secure. i can walk outside at midnight and feel perfectly safe. after 10-11pm, each person that enters has to show their id card, so that keeps strange people out. also, we have public safety officers and a special number for them is there's ever an emergency.

Clubs and Activities

there are tons of clubs here. i have yet to join any, but i heard there are a lot of great ones and that almost everyone ends up getting involved.

Great for these types of students

saint mary's is great for fun, dedicated, opinionated, and motivated students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

if you're the athletic type, there are a lot of places to walk on and near campus. for example, you can take a hike up to the cross, or there are paths to walk/run on right off of campus. we also have a couple gyms on campus, and we takes sports pretty seriously here.

What to do for fun

there's usually things going on on campus, like going on field trips for a really low price, and there are sometimes movies playing that aren't out on dvd yet. walnut creek is about 20 minutes away which has a lot of stores to shop at, places to eat, and also a movie theater.

Food and Dining

the food most of the time is decent, but what i really like is how we have flex dollars so we can go off campus and eat somewhere else, but not have to spend our money; it's already included in our meal plan. there are a lot of good places that we can use flex dollars, like chipotle and mountain mike's pizza. the cafeteria food is good though, but sometimes it gets a bit boring.

Dorm Life

dorm life here is fun. i feel like my hall is one big family. as a freshman, you are required to live on campus, but i personally like living on campus. it makes things a lot easier, and mostly everyone here is very nice and fun.

Academic Rigor

the academics here are tough, but helpful. i find myself doing a lot of homework, but i do learn a lot, which is what school is all about. since saint mary's is a catholic school, religion does play into the academics some, but if you aren't that religious it doesn't matter because it's not an overpowering factor of this school. we also have jan term, which is where you take a class that doesn't have to do with your major (unless you want it to) for the month of january, which is really fun. and of course, there's study abroad.

Tips for prospective students

you should like small campuses, be willing to get to know your teachers and other people in your class, be willing to work very hard at your schoolwork, and be prepared to talk in class.

In three sentences

saint mary's is a private, catholic, and wonderful school. the campus and class sizes are small, which makes getting help easier. the professors are also very helpful and willing to meet with you if you need anything.

our mascot is the gael, which is very unique. our basketball team is amazing! everyone hikes up to the cross on the hill, and paints the smc on the hill.

Bang for the buck

it is worth every single penny. you will actually graduate within four years here, and the alumni connections are great. the class sizes are small, and the professors teach you- not graduate students.

What to do for fun

there are often on campus activities to go too, or cab or rha have trips to giants games, the sf zoo, alcatraz, and so much more!

Food and Dining

its decent most of the time, but sometimes it is gross. breakfast and late night are so good, but weekend food really sucks.

Dorm Life

i think the dorms are pretty good sized, and are fairly nice. i have the best ra and our hall gets along very well. you get to go on all sorts of cool hall trips too!

Tips for prospective students

go to an open house, and talk to as many people as possible. it is better to have too much information, than not enough. don't let the big price tag scare you away: smc gives out lots of scholarship money to almost every student.

In three sentences

it is a great school, with a close knit community, dedicated passionate professors, and and excellent academics. i am absolutely in love with smc and i am so glad i decided to come here.

Anonymous

hiking in the mountains, watching gaels basketball team win games, and going window shopping in downtown walnut creek with friends.

Food and Dining

let's say there is room for improvemnets.

Dorm Life

dorm life the first year was crowded, and thank goodness i had great room mates. second year was much better we got a bigger room and there were only two of us instead of three.

Academic Rigor

i would definately have to that it is a challenge. a challenge worth seeing through.

Tips for prospective students

at times it gets hard but never loose hope, there is always somerone out there to help you out weather it be a teacher, a student, a friend or even an advisor.

In three sentences

saint mary's is a great school. this is my second year and let me tell you that whenever i've had questions or just didn't understand something i could always get help. i've learned so much, and i am looking forward to my third year, where i will study abroad.

Renee from Orangevale, CA

It's always beneficial to lock your rooms and cars but here is not much to worry about here. It's a fairly safe campus

Greek Life

No Greek life here

Clubs and Activities

So many clubs on campus from religion to politics and ethnicity to social justice. We have a lot of sports too but if you don't want to be on the main team we also have club sports for everyone.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

You must walk to the cross. It is a mostly uphill walk but you can see the entire campus. It's beautiful! We also have Gale-a-palooka which is an all day carnival with live music. Also most Wednesdays is community time so you get free lunch in campus and no classes for an hour and a half.

What to do for fun

Free events are sometimes hosted on campus but Walnut Creek is the best place to go any weekend. They have tons of shops and you don't need a car to get there. The bus is free for SMC students so you just need to worry about Bart fare. San Francisco is also just a Bart ride away.

Food and Dining

Oliver Hall, SAGA, is not the best food so prepare to take the bus or Bart. We have McDonalds, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Burger King, Noah's Bagels, Jamba Juice, and a few others in close range

Dorm Life

Dorm life is great of you get along with your roommate. There are singles, doubles, and triples for freshman; one hall is suite style (single and double on each side of a shared bathroom.) Sophomores are guaranteed housing but juniors and seniors are put into a lottery.

Academic Rigor

Reading, reading, reading. Every professor assigns a lot of it for homework each night but that is mostly all you need to worry about. Sciences are very hard at this school so if you understand it than you will do fine.

Tips for prospective students

Bring your A-game and be ready to attend every home basketball game. Saint Mary's is a quiet and isolated school but during basketball season, we are louder than any other. This school really is a great place full of school spirit.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a very welcoming place where you would be glad to call home. It is easy to balance a social life and academics. It has been the best experience of my life so far.

Adam from Rio Vista, CA

04/19/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

You don't have to worry about being stabbed, but there were a couple of date rapes at the beginning of the year. No hate crimes, no thefts (that I've ever heard of), no assaults. Probably the safest school campus I've been on since kindergarten.

Greek Life

None.

Bang for the buck

It's a good school, but comparable to the much cheaper UC Berkeley in quality of education. Smaller class sizes, less populated surroundings, and a sense of community almost make up for the higher cost.

What to do for fun

Not much to do in the immediate area, but a quick public transit ride and you can be in some of the greatest cities in the world (San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland), and if you have a car, you are a day trip away from surfing, snowboarding, gambling, history, camping, fishing, and almost anything else you could want to do.

Food and Dining

Nothing special here.

Academic Rigor

The seminar program is intense if done right. Most classes borrow from it's style to enhance learning.

In three sentences

Quiet, laid back community with amazingly smart professors. Our basketball team has more Australian wins than any other team in the history of the NCAA. I just made that up.

Shane from Sacramento, CA

05/23/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

The campus is extremely safe. There is only one road that leads in and out of campus and a public safety kiosk that is aware of all visitors. The population on campus is very friendly and community oriented.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 80 clubs at SMC and many student organized on campus activites: dances, poker nights, intramural sports.

Great for these types of students

Small class oriented students who either need or love individual attention from professors. It's also great for students who aren't necessarily interested in studying a specific thing and going a specific route, just because Saint Mary's provides such a unique and well rounded liberal arts education.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

When Freshman move in, during the weekend of welcome, they climb up the hill and paint the SMC that's on the hill. There's one catch: there are no brushes, they paint it using their bodies!

Bang for the buck

While the original tag on Saint Mary's look overtly expensive, thanks to hundreds of generous donors to the school, much more than 50% of students receive some sort of financial support and they are very helpful in ensuring that students can afford SMC.

What to do for fun

There are many things to do on campus from sports, to reading a book in the sun, to hiking, to studying or meeting with professors. But also, located in the East Bay, Saint Mary's is surrounded by such a unique culture and is only a 40 minute BART ride away from San Francisco.

Food and Dining

Oliver Hall, the main dining hall at SMC is fantastic! There are so many different options and they do a really good job of mixing it up to where you won't always walk in and see the same meals. Also, since it's such a small school they don't have to prepare mass amounts of processed food. It's always fresh.

Dorm Life

The dorms get progressively nicer as you move up in years at SMC. Even as a freshman I felt well taken care of and never once felt cramped. Every dorm building forms unique communities that do anything from getting together to study or to play sports.

Academic Rigor

The workload is heavy, and the material is dense. But with one on one professor attention that every student can receive, plus the bonds you can form with classmates to form study groups, it is very manageable.

Tips for prospective students

If your interested in getting a well rounded, liberal arts education, Saint Mary's is the place to go. Similarly, if you're the type of student that thrives in the small classroom setting and likes to utilize the professors for all that you can, Saint Mary's provides you with that as well. Work hard in high school and do your best on you SATs and SMC could be a great home for you.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is the perfect combination of small school utilities with certain big school aspects. It has small class sizes which are essential in the professor-student relationships that are formed, but it has division one sports and is located in the San Francisco Bay Area making it far from your typical small school. Finally, the collegiate seminar program and Saint Mary's unique January term, it provides student with one of a kind educational opportunities.

A Happy Student

Good Ol' P-Safe is there to watch your back! I have never felt any danger walking around campus alone at night. Except maybe for tripping over a tree root or running into a raccoon.

Greek Life

No such thing at SMC. We don't pay for friends. Its a small enough school that you can get to know everyone.

Clubs and Activities

We have lots of sports, intramural and pickup games. There's lots of clubs to join and people to meet.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

SMC has this amazing cross on top of a hill that all the students walk up to. It has a view over the entire area and is a romantic evening excursion or a fun picnic spot. Also, every year during orientation the freshmen hike up to the SMC letters on the hill and paint it. They always come back covered in hay and paint, but with huge smiles.

Bang for the buck

I know private school is expensive. I'll be paying for my education til I'm 50. But I know its worth it because I feel like my prospective job opportunities are much wider because of where I go to school. Also when I WANT to go to classes, just because they are so interesting, I know paying every penny is worth it.

What to do for fun

Saint Marys has the awesomeness of being in the middle of nowhere (Moraga) in the middle of everything. No matter which direction you go there is something interesting to do. There is Walnut Creek on one side, Berkeley, San Francisco and the Entire San Francisco Bay area to explore. The options are pretty endless.

Food and Dining

Personally, absolutely hated the food. But I am beyond picky. Get a second opinion.

Dorm Life

You will have the opportunity to live with a Christian Brother! Dorms are set in beautiful canyon. Some are pretty old, but the newer ones are really nice. Can be quiet on weekends, so be the fun starter.

Academic Rigor

The academic program at Saint Mary's is spectacular. Be prepared for a brain exercises in the Seminar department, wonderful science labs, and intelligent passionate teachers who will know your name, face, and probably favorite color. I have never been disappointed in a class and love attending the lectures.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared to bring a car to campus, you are going to want to explore the Bay Area and Moraga is close to everything.

Jennifer from Tracy, CA

The campus is in the middle of no where. Literally, the only time you are in danger is if you allow yourself to be alone in a dangerous place, be safe don't drink and you should be fine.

Greek Life

There is no Greek. At all.

Great for these types of students

Great for more reserved people. Everyone is really chill, and since the campus is small your get to know everyone, takes the pressure of meeting new people off of your shoulders.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a cross on top of a hill, it is a steep walk, and yet people like to go there to get drunk. :) Sober is it really pretty at night. Plus, we have the letters SMC on a hill, all Freshmen get to paint it by hand. AWESOME.

Bang for the buck

The education is definitely worth it, the dorm and food is a rip off and I need to stop talking about it or I will get very angry.

What to do for fun

I like to go hiking and exploring. There are a lot of trails and hidden wooded areas to explore. Or, you can take the Bart to San Francisco. Or, just chill, if your are studying right that is all you are going to want to do.

Food and Dining

ugh, the food tastes great the first few days, then you notice that the food gets worse and worse. The unlimited plan is worth it though, trust me, though the food isn't the best, it is good enough at 9:30 at night when everything closes in the town.

Dorm Life

There is nothing around town to do, so weekends can be pretty boring if you are as poor as I am (which most college students are). Plus, the dorms don't really do anything exciting, the RAs mainly bring food for fun.

Academic Rigor

I put such a high mark for the science and math classes. I found seminar (which you will learn about there) and English to be pretty reasonable. Not that they are easy, but they are not break your back hard. The sciences and math classes though will make you work!

Tips for prospective students

The only tip that I can give, it so visit the campus. I knew nothing about this school, and I almost didn't accept my spot, that was until I went to the school and allowed myself to see what the campus was actually like.

In three sentences

I love this school, the campus is small and it is easy to get comfortable here-- because the school is so small you get a chance to know everyone in your class by name. The teachers all know you, and that means that you have many opportunities to get help. If you are intimidated by large school, this might be for you.

Linsey from Vallejo, CA

06/18/2012

Reviewer is A past student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Public Safety is there for the SMC community 24/7. A concern to most parents, there is only one way in and one way out to the campus so all people are checked through public safety especially at night.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Gaelapalooza. A daytime festival that usually begins at 7am till 3pm (nap time in between) and then out to have fun at night! With live music, henna tattoos, astro jump, obstacle courses, sumo wrestling, and free food... what's not to love about this awesome festival before finals!

What to do for fun

Hike to the cross, paint the SMC, take a Bart ride to the city, go to CREAM in Berkeley, shopping,dining, watching movies in Walnut Creek, run or bike the trail, attend SMC athletic games or tan at the pool!

Food and Dining

I would say a 3/5. Although they did renovate the cafeteria my sophomore year they also created new ideas and creations for the menu. There are more vegetarian and ethnic options which is nice.

Dorm Life

A 4/5, my dorm life was awesome. Despite that sometimes your neighbors CAN be loud, it was so convenient to be near classes and St. Mary's does a wonderful job hiring a staff that makes sure the dorms are clean!

Academic Rigor

I would rate Saint Mary's a 4/5 because although I approve of most classes, I would have to say that sometimes the curriculum vs the workload was unbalanced. Besides that... the classes are challenging AND interesting!

Tips for prospective students

Don't be fooled by the small school aspect. Yes Saint Mary's is a small school but you definitely get A LOT out of making friends, learning 101 and networking with potential employers.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's felt like home away from home. With it's beautiful scenery and compact community I definitely felt comfortable in going to school there. Saint Mary's altogether creates a positive space for learning and growing up as an individual and a student.

Student

06/20/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Food and Dining

Dining hall has its staples (pizza, pasta, salad, burgers, fries and sandwiches), but the international station has a new dish every meal. After being off a meal plan for a year, coming in for a meal was pleasantly surprising. The food was good, and definitely something I would expect from a restaurant, not a school cafeteria

Academic Rigor

I have learned something new in every single one of my classes. The professors are very interested in what they are teaching, and welcome questions and class discussions. Most importantly, I have learned how to learn and grow as an individual--classes not only teach you subject matter, but different ways to approach learning as well.

Tips for prospective students

Speak out, and ask questions! With small class sizes, this is your chance to shine and make the most of your education.

Lauren from Elk Grove, CA

06/27/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Food and Dining

The food is always good although it can be repetitive.

Dorm Life

I was nervous at first because I was going to live in the honors dorm which was the nerd dorm. It turned out to be so much fun! The RAs are always there when you need them and they are so friendly. I really loved all the activities we did together as a dorm group.

Academic Rigor

The classes are small, about 30 people to a class, so there is a lot of one on one interaction with the professors. The classes are difficult but with effort you can pass. There is an honors society that helps increase the academic rigor for students that want that.

In three sentences

Although I had no idea that this college existent when I applied, a tour of the campus quickly turned this college into my dream school. It has turned out to be everything I wanted and more. It is the perfect college for me.

Liz

Public Safety is excellent and will help any student at any hour of the night!

Clubs and Activities

There is literally something for everyone! It's just a matter of looking around and asking people.

What to do for fun

The good thing about Saint Mary's is that it is in the perfect location and has a lot of transportation! You can go anywhere with bus, which is free to Saint Mary's students, and BART(Bay Area Rapid Transit). Walnut Creek and San Francisco is very close by. As well as San Jose and Santa Clara.

Food and Dining

In all honesty, the food could be better. By mid-year you get disgusted with the food because it is always the same. It is very easy to get tired of the cafeteria.

Dorm Life

Dorm Life is okay. Some RAs are really horrible and will not make you feel comfortable. Other RAs are amazing and will make you feel like you are family. You just have to find that RA you can go to when you need them. As for the dorms in general, they are in pretty good condition. Every dorm building is locked and you need your key to get in. Only the people who live in that dorm building have the key, it's really safe.

Academic Rigor

The classes vary by majors and professors but the major of the classes are of high rigor. You need to really stay on top of your stuff or else you will fall behind. It is very important to do all the reading and homework that the professors give because most of the professors base their exams on the readings and the lectures.

Tips for prospective students

A tip for prospective students is to have a very good connection with your professors and other students. Another tip is to get involved with the campus, either by work or clubs. One last tip is to always go to class and stay on top of your work, do not fall behind because it is very hard to catch up in classes.

In three sentences

The school is very welcoming and has a sense of community. It has various resources to help the students. The professors are always there if a student needs help in something.

Jaqueline from Los Angeles, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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What to do for fun

For fun, i suggest you hit the gym! Its great to be active and as a student, take advantage of all that Mount has to offer!

Food and Dining

Food is great! I ate there while i was on campus and would never eat any where else if i was on campus.

Dorm Life

Very hard to judge dorm life considering I do not plan and have never stayed at the school. I here good things though.

Tips for prospective students

Keep in contact with the school and do not be afraid to ask questions. They are always there to help and will answer all of your questions!

In three sentences

Mount has amazing staff that has been always there for me, with smiles and direction. The campus at Doheny is absolutely beautiful, welcoming and warm. Mount Saint Mary's is a wonderful place, and i am confident that this school will prepare me for the world.

Olivia from Pacifica, CA

Very safe campus. I have never felt uncomfortable or unsafe on the SMC campus. They make a strong presence so that everyone knows they have someone to turn to in times of feeling unsafe.

What to do for fun

We are lucky that SMC is just miles away from downtown San Francisco and many other amazing attractions in the bay area. It is great to be able to hop on public transit to tour San Francisco, go to an amusement park, or go to the beach on a nice day. On campus, there are Friday night movies, dances, and club get together's to make each and every night something fun ad different. SMC gives a diverse range of activities so that every student has an option of something to take their mind off of the stresses of school.

Food and Dining

Cafeteria food will always be cafeteria food. Unfortunatelt, SMC is no different. What i do enjoy about the campus dining hall is not only that it was just recently re-done to a more modern look and feel, but they try to give a diverse selection of food options. Whether you like the food or not, there is always something appealing.

Dorm Life

One thing that I wish I would have known prior to attending SMC is that it is very difficult to get on campus housing after your Sophomore year. While living on campus, all resources are available just seconds away. It is important for the school to relay to the prospective students that housing is very rare to receive as a Junior or Senior. This way, students can understand and make plans for those years - especially those whose homes are many miles away.

Academic Rigor

SMC is very difficult, as expected, because it is a private University. You have to be prepared to give all you have to your classes. We are very lucky, though, to have many resources including a Writing Center, a Math Center, and countless office hours to help us through exams, finals, and everyday questions that we have regarding our classes and other activities on campus. Although the curriculum is very difficult, it is definitely possible to accomplish. It makes graduation that much more exciting!

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should understand that college is no joke. Although high school may be easy for many, college is a huge culture shock, academically and personally. It is important to be prepared to give 100% dedication and take advantage of the resources offered on campus. SMC offers support, clubs, and other activities to make your experience the best possible. It is important to actually use those resources.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is an outstanding University. It has a strong name, passionate beliefs and values, and diverse curriculum. It is a beutiful campus with some of the best Professor's available.

Andrea from Tracy, CA

Hiking Biking San Francisco is 20 minutes away The weather is really nice Events that the school plans

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to come in sure of what you want to do with your major.

In three sentences

This school is the best thing that happened to me. You want to really learn about anything then this is the place. Here we recognize that knowledge is power and we plan on using it with the Lasallian principles.

The school costs are very expensive, but this Saint Mary's truly helps prepare you for later on in life.

What to do for fun

There is not a lot of nightlife on campus, but there is always Walnut Creek and San Francisco.

Food and Dining

There is generally a lot of food, but there needs to be more variety.

Dorm Life

I live in a single and my room is nicely sized with a sink area. I love being able to have my own space.

Academic Rigor

The classes truly prepare you for what is after college. The professors expect you to keep up with the reading and the homework.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's College of California has a great sense of community and a beautiful campus. The professors are good at what they do and know what they are talking about. The people are overall very nice and helpful.

Mary from North Highlands, CA

Public Safety (P-safe) is always out on the prowl at night. They will not let you on campus late a night without a student ID. They protect you and at the same time take away all the fun.

Greek Life

Does not exist.

Clubs and Activities

There are a ton of clubs and activities. Join one and meet people easily. You don't have to have a long term commitment to most clubs, but if you want to get heavily involved in one, you can also find a sort of community in the form of a club. As far as activities, basketball games are the biggest events on campus, besides the few dances scattered throughout the year.

Great for these types of students

It's great for science/engineering/nursing majors, as well as business, communications, and english majors. We have a unique program of study called Integral (In-teh-gral) which is basically where all your classes are taught seminar style with round table discussions, where you have the freedom to practice rhetoric and study lots of dead people and their traditions. If you are a more traditional student, you can have a little bit of socrates in with your math and english because seminar classes (4) are required.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Up in the hills of Moraga behind the school, we have a SMC logo which gets painted colors for several different occasions throughout the year. It is a tradition to slide down the SMC and get paint all over you and have a blast.

Bang for the buck

It's a private school so it IS expensive, coming in at around 50,000 before financial aid. However, a good student with a competitive profile who may be low on cash can easily get 50-75% taken care of in the form of merit and need-based aid. They are willing to work with you, but you have to accept that some money may come in the form of loans, unless your parents can foot the bill. With that said, it is an amazing school to attend. It has a great reputation in the Bay Area, and it's a very intimate learning experience. You will never have a class where the professor doesn't know your name and care to help you. You will never find yourself without someone to talk to, as the Christian Brothers living on campus are readily available. There is always something new to see and do in California, and an education at Saint Mary's is a great way to spend four years of your life when it's all said and done.

What to do for fun

We have close-by the town of Lafayette and Orinda. Neither one has a lot of for fun things to do, but they supply short shopping fixes or nice walks about the town with interesting shops and places to entertain you. We don't have any local bars or clubs for the 21+, but if you are up to driving just out of town to berkeley, walnut creek, or san francisco you can find anything your heart desires. Also, all three places are easily accessible with BART and the free bus system to/from campus which runs late on friday's and saturday's.

Food and Dining

Our dining hall is managed by sodexo, which is a widely known company. The food seems pretty good at first, but when you eat a lot of the same things every day it starts to all look familiar. SMC does a pretty good job giving you options. We always have a vegan section, you can find gluten-free foods, and if you are up for anything, they change out the international foods daily so you can have mexican, italian, or asian foods. The staples are always available- sandwiches, pizza, salads, soups, bakery items, and COFFEE.

Dorm Life

As always, you can live in the party dorm, or a low key dorm, or a big dorm where you can met many different types of people, or my favorite- the nerd dorm. There is a place for everyone, with a bit of wiggle room to switch rooms once the semester starts. However, you can't escape public bathrooms until sophomore year!

Academic Rigor

If you were able to breeze through high school, this is where you will reach the end of your luxury days. SMC is definitely a place you can challenge yourself with classes and professors who want to hear from you and give you food for thought. On the other hand, slackers will be slackers, and there are always ways to get around doing serious work. Not all professors are created equal.

Tips for prospective students

Prepare yourself for a whole new change of scenery. Life is a little slow in Moraga, but the friends you make on campus will be your best asset. Living on campus is the best way to meet people and get to know the school as more than just a place of study. Balancing your social life with your work can be hard, but if you live on campus it's usually a good reminder that you have a lot of work- and support.

In three sentences

As a small college of a few thousand students, Saint Mary's has a place for everyone, in every field of study. The price of a private school is greatly offset by financial aid, and the rewards of getting out of a small town and experiencing college life to the fullest. I have not met a single student who did not like studying at SMC, as it offers amazing opportunities- but who wouldn't like the beautiful town of Moraga?

Ana from Alameda, CA

The food is absolutely splendid, and the kitchen and dining hall are both wonderful and always clean.

Dorm Life

It is very peaceful, and fun to live in a dorm with fellow students. They become close, and there has been no occurrence of violence in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

There are plenty of majors to choose from, and the classes are all fun, and not overly difficult. Everyone can learn something from the class, and questions are always answered by the teachers.

In three sentences

When I toured the campus with my friend, I really liked how there were plenty of people to answer any questions we had, or to help us find a certain area of the college. There are numerous majors to choose from, and plenty of teachers, so that classes are not terribly huge. The area around the college is simply beautiful as well, and I would really enjoy going to Saint Mary's just for the view around it.

Kendall from San Diego, CA

08/30/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

None, sadly.

Bang for the buck

Don't be fooled, it is big bucks. However, you have instant and direct access to your professors. Look for ratings of the best colleges to attend if you want to grow rich and Saint Mary's is consistently near the top.

What to do for fun

Hiking, biking, and general outdoor activities...or go into the city for serious fun.

Food and Dining

Ask again in nine months.

Dorm Life

Okay, no dorm is ever going to be like living at home.

Academic Rigor

Plan to work and have fun when you arrive.

Tips for prospective students

Apply early and visit the campus.

In three sentences

Beautiful campus and surroundings. Direct instruction from the actual professors in a small classroom environment. Absolutely no reason for anyone to be put off by the college's religious roots.

Lauren

09/12/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The town of Moraga is a super safe place, I've never been scared or nervous because of my surroundings and I don't see that ever happening. The campus is also really safe thanks to Public Safety. There are even little kiosk type things around campus with a blue light on top. If you ever have a problem, you can call P-Safe and they'll be there right away. You can even push the button if it's raining and you want a ride across campus! hehe

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the activities during the freshman Weekend of Welcome is the Paint the SMC. Paint the SMC is where freshman get to hike up to the SMC sign displayed on one of the hills overlooking campus and paint it red and blue (the school colors). It's really fun and crazy because everyone gets paint all over themselves and you can even slide down the letters with the paint. And then for the next couple weeks, when walking around campus, you can look to the sign and see your beautiful paint job :)

Bang for the buck

Saint Mary's is pretty much all-inclusive.. I haven't come across anything that hasn't been readily taken care of for me.

What to do for fun

San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland are all less than 30 minutes away, so there is essentially an unlimited amount of activities to partake in!

Food and Dining

Oliver Hall is a beautiful building filled with really good food. Pizza is always on the menu, but the chefs also like to spice it up with all sorts of random dishes at the International Bar. You can get a meal or a snack at almost any time of the day, and there's always coffee and fresh fruit to drop in and get on the way to your next class.

Dorm Life

The dorms are all fairly small (which is to be expected), but they are clean and nice and you can even choose if you want to live in a single, double, or triple for your freshman year. And then for the next three years there are even better on-campus housing options, like the suites!

Academic Rigor

The professors expect a lot from you, but they help you along every step of the process. I'd say that they may even be more helpful than some of my high school teachers.

Tips for prospective students

Do your homework!!! Get good grades, be involved on your high school campus, and actively work on being a positive member of your community. Colleges don't only look at your academic achievements, they look at WHO YOU ARE.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is an amazing school. The professors know you by name, the class sizes are almost guaranteed to be smaller than those that you've had in high school, and the food is good too! Saint Mary's is a 10/10.

Tiffany from Union City, CA

Campus is pretty safe. We only have one way to get in and out of campus. Also, our public safety officers respond quickly once you get a hold of them. They're usually just a phone call away.

Greek Life

We have seminars where we read the great books such as The Odyssey and have a student led discussion for the entire class.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities that I don't even know where to start. It ranges from different sports like rugby, to a cultural club such as APASA.

Great for these types of students

Those who are pursuing liberal arts, this is a school for you. Also Saint Mary's is a campus that is pretty small, so you would get to know a good amount of people just walking around. Our campus is pretty small compared to UC's that we don't need bikes for transportation around campus.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every wednesday we have community time and that's when we have lunch outside. This even is for people to get to know more people on campus and it's also an opportunity to just enjoy eating outside with friends. The food is usually BBQ and it's pretty tasty.

Bang for the buck

The tuition for Saint Mary's is pretty pricey but the school provides some scholarship money to lower the cost of tuition. I think it's a little too high for the tuition and room and board, but I guess it all pays off because it's mostly guaranteed that you're going to graduate in four years since there's not to much of a hassle to sign up for classes.

What to do for fun

There's not much to do around Moraga, but there's plenty of things to do in Walnut Creek witch is just ten minutes away. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and they have a movie theater. I'll also suggest to take a trip to San Francisco or Berkeley once in a while just to go out and explore. There's free transportation to the bart station which is very convenient especially traveling to the city.

Food and Dining

There's one main dining hall on campus and the food is good sometimes but you get tired of it after about two months. There's a small cafe right around the corner where some people spend time catching up or just studying.

Dorm Life

It's pretty nice especially living in De La Salle since they are the newly renovated residence halls.

Academic Rigor

It typical to spend at least three hours on homework each night but don't feel discouraged, everyone is doing the same.

Tips for prospective students

If you are looking for a small school filled with very friendly people, this is the place for you.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is filled with friendly people as well as professors who bring out the best in you. It's located in Moraga which is a very quiet area but the school provides free transportation to Orinda and Lafayette. Also the class sizes are very small so the teachers know you by name and it's easier to learn with very few distractions.

Elisabeth from Moraga, CA

Although its a lot of money, you can definitely tell the difference between the average and a St. Mary's education.

Food and Dining

Oliver hall is where we dine and Sodexo is our food supplier. Its safe to say I gained the freshman 15 here. There is always a wide variety of gourmet cafeteria foods along with daily coffee, fresh fruit, toast, pastries, and cereal of course.

Dorm Life

Dorms are a type of community that are unforgettable. Everyone is really laid back and accepting, we are all part of a small community so life here is tight-knit.

Academic Rigor

The courses here are rigorous. A lot of reading is involved and class participation is a must. You will know your professors and campus resources very well when you are done here.

Tips for prospective students

This is not a party school, and be prepared to become a well-educated and cultured individual.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a very diverse and inclusive community. The campus is beautiful and the education is remarkable. WIth small class sizes and personal attention the rigorous course loads are worth the tuition.

Napa, CA

Everyone is very friendly, never felt unsafe or scared. Public safety is always driving around keeping an eye out so very safe.

Greek Life

No Greek Life.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs here at Saint Mary's. Athletics (soccer, volleyball, basketball, act.) then there are clubs like Glee, and there always activities like horseback ridding, snowboarding in winter, site seeing in San Francisco.

Great for these types of students

Saint Mary's is s place where students really care about academics but at the same time they enjoy having fun. There is a balance in which the attitude of students have but surely academics is a priority. There is always something to here, you never really get bored.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have an amazing chapel on campus and many students including my self attend religious activities and mass.

Bang for the buck

I am very happy here. I am having such a great time so far, can't wait for the upcoming years here at Saint Mary's.

What to do for fun

Moraga is a very small and quite city, which is nice because we are surrounded by green hills. Hiking and walking along the trails is always fun. But there are big cities life Concord, berkeley, and San Francisco that are less then 30 minutes away. Also with transportation like bart its easy to go out.

Food and Dining

Oliver Hall, serves good food but can get easily tiring.

Dorm Life

Dorms are a bit outdated but its really not so bad. Obviously there are dorms for the Honors Science which are a bit more quite, rather than just regular dorms.

Academic Rigor

If you like to be pushed academically and actually learn within a small community, Saint Mary's is for you.

Tips for prospective students

Get ready to have fun!

In three sentences

Saint Marys is a wonderful place where students receive the opportunity to learn and express themselves. Since, Saint Mary's is a small college you get to really know your professors and classmates which comes in handy when you need extra help in class.There is a sense of a positive community where everyone here is, ready for success and further their knowledge.

Roxana from Moss Landing, CA

really safe the school has private security that is super nice and helpful even when you don't have an emergency.

Greek Life

none

What to do for fun

Service. If you love to volunteer and help others this is the school.

Food and Dining

Great food and the people that work there are amazing.

Dorm Life

Too expensive for such a small and old facilities.

Academic Rigor

Its a challenging school buy there are plenty of resources.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with the church. If you can try to study abroad and make connections with professors.

In three sentences

This school Lacks diversity but has a wonderful community and gives students many opportunities. The Lasallian Principles motivate students to serve communities outside the local communities that are extremely wealthy. The professors are great and the campus is overwhelmingly beautiful .

Kory from Brentwood, CA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

The campus is situated in the hills of Moraga, CA which is extremely safe.

Greek Life

No Greek life

Clubs and Activities

The student body provides tons of clubs and activities to get involved in.

Great for these types of students

Any type of student who wants to learn.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It is a private Catholic school, so anyone who may not be religious might find some of the traditions weird; however, the school is open to all faiths and is truly an educational institution.

Bang for the buck

It's expensive, which is why I am looking for scholarships; however, Forbes magazine released a list of the top schools that will make you rich after graduation placing Saint Mary's at number 5 ahead of Berkeley!

What to do for fun

San Francisco and Walnut Creek are just a BART ride away and if you need to fly somewhere, BART takes you straight to SFO! There are tons of nightclubs all over the bay area.

Food and Dining

I've heard from many people that food is great on campus. The best part, though, is they have a bus that goes from the school to BART which will take you to either the city of San Francisco or even Walnut Creek for more food options.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is supposed to be top notch. More than 80% of the student body lives on campus.

Academic Rigor

I have yet to actually see what a class is like; however, according to the meeting I went to and past students, the teachers make you work for your degree.

Tips for prospective students

Attend a transfer session, they are very informative and talk about everything you need to know.

In three sentences

I had no idea about the opportunity offered at Saint Mary's College of California until I had taken a day go to a transfer information session and take my own personal tour of the campus. The structure of the education seems flawless and the campus is beautiful. I can already tell that attending the school will be one fo the best decisions I've ever made.

Student

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

Very safe campus except for the occasional mountain lion.

What to do for fun

Honestly, there isn't much on campus unless you want to go to a sporting event or another even hosted on campus. They have trips off campus, but seats are limited. San Francisco is about an hour away via bus/BART, and there is a shopping center within walking distance from campus.

Food and Dining

Like most colleges, the food starts off in the beginning of the year seemingly good, but it starts to get old towards the end. There is Cafe Louie which is good to use Flex Dollars or you can use them for other places off campus.

Dorm Life

Freshman dorms are typical college dorms. Sophomore dorms are larger and give students more space. You can live on campus all four years, but it starts getting harder to get housing after sophomore year. RA's are generally friendly and they tend to plan a lot of events.

Academic Rigor

Discussion based learning is helpful for aural learners. Professors are willing to help you if you ask for it. There is a lot of reading to do for most classes, and the reading usually connects with the class so you should read whatever is assigned. The difficulty for each class really depends on who your professor is.

Tips for prospective students

It does have the seminar program which involves student discussion, and many other classes outside of this program are structured for discussion, which can be hard for some students.

In three sentences

It's a small school with unique programs. It's great for those who want small classes (about 20-25 per class). There's a lot of things to do on campus and a lot to get involved in.

Emily from Louisville, CO

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

One entrance and one exit so no one can get in without going past the guards.

Greek Life

There is none

Clubs and Activities

There is plenty to do the only tricky part is figuring out what you would like to do and starting early.

Great for these types of students

Who desire more one-on-one attention and who want to learn. This is not the school for partying and simply just going through the motions. Students here want to do, see, and create things.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The SM logo gets painted every year by the incoming freshmen and they all hike up and climb the hill. Graduation is very cool as well as each students gets their own mini plot of land to throw a BBQ.

Bang for the buck

Saint Mary's is very expensive but everyone in financial aid is extremely helpful. I loved going to talk over items like FAFSA and student loans because they really do want the cost to be barable. I think investing this school is critical because you do get the most bang for your buck. The personal attention is helpful and unlike bigger state schools you don't have to go looking for help in school or other areas. Saint Mary's seems like the school that really cares and does not treat its students like a number.

Food and Dining

There is only one main dining hall which can be very different from a big state school but it promotes school spirit and looks like the great hall in Harry Potter. Since there is only one dining hall and Moraga isn't the best of food towns I'd recommend going with a bigger meal plan. The dining hall is always there but there is no way to go grab Subway and be back in 15 minutes.

Dorm Life

The dorms are smaller and older but overall they are clean and the furniture is excellent. Each room also has a sink which is SO helpful. Now you don't have to walk down the hallway just to brush your teeth!

Academic Rigor

Last year in 2012 every single student who applied for Medical School was accepted into their first choice school! What also is really impressive is the upperclassmen all talk differently. They can express their ideas very easily with accuracy and smooth fluency; creating an overall sophisticated and articulate speech.

Tips for prospective students

Contact at least one administrator on campus because they will direct you practically to anyone or anywhere. The more you talk to people the more connections you can make and pretty soon you have 10 people who are willing to help you with anything. The sooner you turn in your application the sooner you get a response which is very helpful because most schools wait till April to hand out decisions.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a school that thrives on community and closeness. The staff is dedicated to your personal success from your application submission to graduation. I've never been surrounded by so many happy, uplifting, successful, and thriving undergraduates than those Gaels!

Nataly from El Dorado Hills, CA

07/27/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

SMC is a good fit for a student who wants to develop critical thinking and communication skills that is necessary for any career. Also, it's good for a student who wants to engage with the community and take their education further. This school does a really good job at helping a student reach his or her professional and academic goals.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Midnight walk to the cross and painting the SMC on the mountain. Just do it.

Food and Dining

The food is okay, nothing fancy or super great about it. It's honestly a hit or a miss each day. There are times that I got weirdly colored chicken from the sandwich bar, which I didn't eat. However, the grill is really good and sometimes the international station isn't too bad either. There's also a vegan/vegetarian part of the dining hall that's really good.

Dorm Life

The dorms are roomy enough for two people, but with three people in one room is kind of pushing it. The housing department works really hard with setting up roommates, but if there are any issues the housing department ultimately decides if a room changes is necessary despite how unhappy a student is. However, I have only seen one or two cases in which there has been a room change or major roommate drama. The maintenance is okay in the residence halls, but sometimes it will take forever for them to clean the showers or fix something.

Academic Rigor

It's college so the classes aren't easy. You definitely need to take your time to study for tests. Never study or do an assignment the night before because it will just take you a long time and causes unnecessary stress. You're in college now, so professors expect a lot more from you. The professors are always willing to help, but only if a student shows effort. There are also tutoring centers that help a lot and they are usually ran by upperclassmen.

Tips for prospective students

Definitely get involved on campus. There are a lot of clubs and activities that take place. For instance, once a month, we have Saturday of Service where students get up early and go to various areas in the Bay to volunteer for different organizations. It's really rewarding and a lot of fun, plus transportation and lunch is provided. Also, never be afraid to participate in class because professors do take note of that and they will get to know you better. Participating in class also enhances your learning. :)

In three sentences

SMC is a beautiful campus and the class sizes allows students to establish a connection with their professors. The professors here are always willing to help and truly care about helping you succeed. It's a small school, so you'll see about the same people during the day and everyone is super nice.

Tyrese from Oakland, CA

SMC is a very safe campus, especially when compared to those institutions with huge populations. SMC's strength is in that the students are familiar with each other's faces.

Greek Life

There is no Greek Life at SMC.

Clubs and Activities

There are a number of clubs and organizations for students to be involved with. Students orgs are responsible for all the events that happen on campus. CAB (Campus Activities Board) and RHA (Resident Hall Association) put on great events every year. There are a number of Diversity Clubs on campus. The Black Student Union, Polynesian Club and the Asian Student Union are all examples of this.

Great for these types of students

SMC is great for students who want a close knit community. It's a great place for students who want to be very active in their school community, as there a number of opportunities to do so.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

SMC has a huge Hollywood style SMC sign, that's visible to anyone entering the campus. Throughout the year students paint the SMC various colors to commemorate and/or celebrate various days or events. First years do this the weekend before school starts, and it's a fun and messy experience. Gaelapalooza is music festival style event that happens annually. SMC students attend for free and get to enjoy games, food, and live music.

Bang for the buck

SMC is a very expensive private institution, which offers an experience that is priceless. However a tuition that is 30K+, makes it difficult for students who come from low-income families to even fathom attendance at SMC. There is financial aid, and if you can figure out how to come up with the funds to attend SMC, it's a great school with great people.

What to do for fun

Moraga is a small town, therefore things close really early in the area. Moraga is close enough to drive to San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek, which are all larger cities with lots of things to do. If you're unfamiliar with the Bay Area, there are a number of places to explore. If you want to stay in the city, there's generally a party or two happening on campus and off-campus. Beware of Public Safety officers and Moraga PD.

Food and Dining

For first year students, Oliver Hall/Saga is amazing. The dining hall is reminiscent of Hogwarts' dining hall in the Harry Potter movies. It's an all you can eat style dining area, with all the necessary food groups. The food is not bad, but after a while the selection may begin to feel repetitive and uninteresting. Dining is also very expensive, but you can get rid of your meal plan if you live in a townhouse or off campus.

Dorm Life

Living in the Dorms is great. Freshmen are required to live on campus. This is what makes Freshman year so great. Everyone in your class is on campus, therefore you get to know many of them and make a number of friends. It's an amazing experience, and one that you will cherish long after your Freshman year has ended. The Dorms Freshman year are small and not always very comfortable. But the living spaces get better for older students. Townhouses are very spacious, and comfortable.

Academic Rigor

SMC like any other school has difficult courses, and has some easier courses. The trick is to make use of the accessibility of your instructors. Unlike bigger schools, SMC teachers have the time and capacity to give attention to all of their students. Classes are generally no larger than twenty-five students.

Tips for prospective students

If you decide that SMC is the school for you, make sure you keep up with your Seminar readings. There's nothing more embarrassing than being called on to share your thoughts on a piece of material you have not read. You get a lot out of the books that are assigned; they really force you to become a critical thinker. Also get involved at SMC. It's the best way to get to know people and make use of the small campus community. Join a club or organization, play inter-mural sports, attend the open mic nights, etc.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a small private Catholic school in Morag, CA. SMC is a great school for students who prefer a close knit campus, and small classrooms. Freshman year students get really familiar with their class, which is good for building networks post-graduation. SMC is great because, students don't have to be Catholic, or even religious to feel right at home. The only drawback is that Moraga is a very small town and does not have a whole lot going on.

So many activities on and off campus, especially if you live on campus A lot of clubs you can become a part of

What to do for fun

Walnut Creek overflows with options: movies, stores, retaurants...there's so many options...best restaurant is Chipotle becuase GaelFlex works Lafayette: has a lot of small boutiques and stores and a lot of restaurants..best thing to go to is Powell's candy store Moraga: not a whole lot but there is a movie on Rheem that shows movies as they come out and theres a few stores and restaurants around there, and also on Moraga Blvd which is a walk away from campus San Francisco is a single BART ride away and you can leave from Lafayette and Orinda (where the bus ride to and from school is free) but leave from Orinda ; Walnut Creek is also a BART ride away but leave from Lafayette

Tips for prospective students

Be open to try new things and meet new people. Give your roommates a chance and try to get to know them, but be respectful also.

In three sentences

It's a small campus and community. Teachers don't want to see you fail, and if you go talk to them they are willing to help you in any way they can. Class schedules are easy to work out so you can take required classes and at least one elective you want, plus a lot of quarter credits.

Kathleen from Yuba City, CA

SMC has campus police, known as Public Safety. They attend to any needs you may have: walking to your dorm late at night, loud neighbors, any kind of emergency and they are there for you.

Greek Life

Saint Mary's unfortunately does not have any Greek facilities.

Clubs and Activities

SMC has many clubs, club sports, art clubs, diversity clubs, medical clubs, basically everything you can imagine. You can even create your own club! This is a great way to meet people you share things in common with when you are an incoming freshman.

Great for these types of students

I think Saint Mary's is good for any type of student. The dedicated bookworms, the jocks, the musicians and dancers! Everyone feels at home at Saint Mary's because everyone is welcome.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

A very popular location on campus is The Cross which is located on top of the hill directly behind the chapel. After the relatively short hike up there you feel like you are on top of the world because you can see everything- the whole campus, and the hills of Moraga.

Bang for the buck

Saint Mary's is very expensive, however the one-on-one experience you get with your professors surpasses whatever you got in high school. It is very common for students to have lunch or coffee with their professors, to talk about class problems or even personal problems. The professors of SMC are dedicated to help you succeed.

What to do for fun

There are many clubs to join, a popular one is GAEL FORCE. The club goes to different sports games to root on our fellow Gael athletes. We help get the crowd pumped, especially against our biggest competitors! There is a section in the lobby of the main dorm hall De La Salle that has pool and ping pong tables. It is common to also see people playing ball, reading, or even tanning (in the summer) in the grass in front of De La Salle.

Food and Dining

The dining hall always has a variety of food. There is always fresh fruit and vegetables available, as well as freshly baked goodies. The cooks always feature a different main dish, and there is an International food section if you feel like trying something new. During holidays the dining hall is decorated and food makes you feel like you are at home. Also, there is a Vegan and Vegetarian section.

Dorm Life

My dorm experience was not the best because my roommate was a completely different major from me. She had more free time than I did, but it was a great experience meeting someone from a different state. We had so much to share with each other since we had completely different backgrounds.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major, the rigor of your classes will fluctuate. I am a Biology major and the science classes demand a lot from you. On the other hand I have heard, and don't doubt, that other majors are less demanding. However, this is college, and you are paying for your education now, so I would recommend giving 150% whether its an easy class or your worst nightmare of a class. Almost every class requires a lot of reading every night, so don't forget your reading glasses at home.

Tips for prospective students

My number one tip would be to actually visit the campus, more than once. The first trip merely exposes you; but when you return and it feels like home, then you will know if it is a good fit. Another major tip is be to know whether you would rather be a friend with your professors or just a face in the crowd, because at SMC your professors will know whether you miss class or not.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is unique because the faculty actually cares about every individual student's well being not just in the classroom. Saint Mary's challenges every student to liberate themselves in order to broaden their range of knowledge. Saint Mary's has become my home away from home, and everyone on campus my extended family.

Samantha from Roswell, GA

10/23/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

Lots of people have houses nearby and they often throw house parties on weekends, they are usually quick to get broken up however. There is a small amount of partying in the dorms, but mostly small get togethers. If you're not insanely loud, you can get away with a lot. San Francisco and Walnut Creek are also close, and popular night spots to go for clubbing or dinner.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria is a hit or miss. Everyone eats there though. Prices are extreme for a meal plan, and also mandatory if you live on campus.

Dorm Life

The dorms are awesome. They are so fun and a great way to meet people. Also conveniently located in the center of campus so you can leave your dorm less than 5 minutes before a class starts and be there on time.

Academic Rigor

I think it depends on what professors you have. Some push you constantly with daily quizzes or rigorous homework assignments. Others let you decide on what you want out of the class. It is really all about what you put into it.

Tips for prospective students

Do the prospective student over night program in the spring. It is a good way to get a feel for not only the campus, but the students and living spaces.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a gorgeous campus in the middle of a tiny quiet town. I love how small the school is, because it gives a family vibe. Everyone is extremely welcoming and the professors genuinely care about how you do.

Cindy from Union City, CA

Public Safety is always around when needed. They are helpful and resourceful.

Greek Life

Non existent.

Clubs and Activities

So many to choose from! The choices are endless and there is something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Great for students who love a community base environment and close relationships with faculty.

Bang for the buck

It is expensive to go here but you are paying for the quality education you will receive while attending Saint Mary's. There are so many resources offered here to assist students who are struggling and professors here are friendly and helpful. Plus, you get to graduate in four years in a time where most students are going to graduate in 5-6 years in other schools.

What to do for fun

There are so many clubs and organizations to get involved with here! Also, there are a lot of leadership programs that put on events and activities on campus and off campus for the students to be involved in. There are parties here too.

Food and Dining

The food is good but you will get sick of eating the same thing over and over again.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is average in comparison to other schools. I like how Saint Mary's forces first year students to dorm on campus. Dorming will create a lot of opportunities to interact and socialize with fellow students.

Academic Rigor

College is hard in general. Saint Mary's is geared towards liberal arts learning so you will get a well rounded education from going here. The school puts an emphasis on critical thinking so a big part of your grade is how much you analyse and comprehend different forms of text.

Tips for prospective students

You should choose this school if you want to be a part of a tight-knit community. Saint Mary's is a small campus compared to most. Also, if you like one on one help from your professors, this is the school you should go to. The staff makes sure their students are taken care of and getting the assistance they deserve.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is an excellent school for people who want to become critical thinkers and be well prepared for the future. The school is caring and compassionate towards their students. The school is underrated.

Normally for fun my friends and I would go to downtown Walnut Creek to eat, shop, and watch movies.

Food and Dining

Overall I must say the food is good. Its a bit more on the expensive side but good. The dining hall is coll and kinda resembles the one from Harry Potter.

Dorm Life

Some dorms are small and crammed so it depends which dorm you get.

Academic Rigor

Depending on your major some classes are really challenging. The science major will have a hard first year for chemistry and it will keep getting harder. Another important things to remember is a class we have to take for 2 years and that is seminar. Seminar is a class where we read Greek books and create discussion for everyone in the class to talk. Its a bit intimidating for some but you learn to express and defend your opinions and views.

Tips for prospective students

The school is small and isolated from many places. There is one bus that passes about every 30 minutes but its best to move with a car if you have it. I highly encourage those who want to come here to stay for the over-night program the school offers to student so they can see if this school is for them.

In three sentences

St. Mary's College is a small but beautiful school where you get to know everyone in your class but most importantly your professors. This school is great because we get to become a community with our fellow classmates. The best part of all is the one-on-one relationship we can establish with our professor since the classes are small.

Dorms are average but decorate to make the place a home away from home.

Academic Rigor

Read, understand the material and study. Everything else will fall into place.

Tips for prospective students

There will be a lot of reading, so make sure you balance your time. Do not procrastinate, because now every point counts and college shouldn't be taken as a joke.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's is a small campus so there are only so many students, but this fact make you way more important to the professors. They will be able to be there when you most need them, and they will know your name an your story. Do not be afraid to ask questions and expand your learning, since the College is behind you in the last four years of your youth.

Guy from Carmichael, CA

01/25/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Greek Life

None.

What to do for fun

Though the town of Moraga is rather bland, SMC is in a good location to travel into Walnut Creek, Berkley, or San Francisco. Students can also attend dances and trips with the Campus activities board. The school's Residence Hall Association hosts free events for students living on campus. These events include movie premiers, concerts, sports games, and other fun events.

Food and Dining

This year we just got a new cafe on campus. It is more casual and has a coffee shop vibe with it. The main hall, Oliver Hall, has good food for the majority of the time. During the weekends food gets a little lackluster. Any complaints that students have they can address at food committee meetings and make their voices heard. Plus, you can give them recipes and they will cook it as written for the school.

Dorm Life

Dorms are clean and safe for the most part. Different housing is available based on interest. Assumption hall is a quieter hall for honors freshman but is separated from the rest of the housing here. The other halls are spread about main campus and range from nice to mediocre depending on the building and floor.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor at SMC is really up to the individual. Some majors will require hours of homework a night and others will require very little. If you are looking for added challenge you can always sign up for free .25 credit classes that meet once a week. These classes can also help you see what other studies might interest you. SMC also has a great honors program and I would recommend that all students at least look at it, if you are looking for a bit more challenge.

Tips for prospective students

Hit the ground running. There is so much available to students here but you have to get your name out there. Your first two weeks here are incredibly important for the rest of your semester. This is an amazing college for networking and getting to know people early on will open up so many doors for you.

In three sentences

Saint Mary's College of California is a place full of opportunity but you must be willing to take the first step. You are in control of how hard your classes are and what other activities you are a part of. If you are willing to put in some energy, you can accomplish great things academically and socially.

Danielle from Davis, CA

02/02/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is literally only a second away. You can call them anytime and request them to walk you back to your dorm at any time day or night. There are poles situated all around campus that anyone can pull in case of an emergency and if you get locked out of your dorm room (just like so many of us do) then they will be there with a key to let you in.

Greek Life

Sadly, Saint Marys doesn't have a Greek Life on campus. There are a couple Sororities and Fraternities off campus, but they are not affiliated with the school. Recently there has been a new club called Gael Sisterhood and Gael Brotherhood which is aimed toward being a type of Greek life on campus, but it is still evolving.

Clubs and Activities

There is every kind of club/activity you could ask for here. Intramurals? Major Specific? Educational? Ethnic? Service Oriented? Just for fun? We have it all! There is a club fair which showcases these clubs, and if you don't see one you want, there is a great group of students that want to help you create a new club. The billboards are always overflowing with posters advertising campus events, so if you are bored on campus then you aren't looking in the right places.

Great for these types of students

Saint Marys is great for student looking for a well-rounded education. The Lasallian style course load gives students a focus more towards gaining skills that the will be able to use in new situations versus just in their major. Students who like smaller schools, a small campus, a suburban town around, and small classes from 15-40 students would love it here. Education is personal here; you are not just a name on a scantron.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

During the Weekend of Welcome, students are thrust into multiple large campus activities such as Freshman Olympics, Painting the SMC, Hiking to the Cross, and Pool Parties. But the most famous tradition we have is Jan Term, which is where the entire month of January is set aside for students to take only one class for 2-4 hours 4 times a week. Each year there is a theme, but not all classes follow the theme. Students are encouraged to choose classes outside their major such as Harry Potter and Barbarians!, but they also offer classes like math and language. This is a way for students to slowly get back into the feel of classes after winter break and also give plenty of time for campus events.

Bang for the buck

While it does seem costly to attend, I strongly suggest you apply here. Saint Marys does everything in its power to help you get financial aid through scholarships they will sponsor, loans, and financial planning. The Career center is a great resource for students who want help planning their career or internships which I highly recommend you use. Overall, every penny you put towards educating yourself is returned twice fold with the skills you gain to help you for the rest of your life.

What to do for fun

Besides the numerous on-campus events such as movies, guest speakers, dinners, events and club meetings put on by the Residence Hall Association and Campus Activities Board there are sporting events held in the fields and in stadium. Students can also do lots of hiking up to the cross or to the Lady of the Great Oaks. We have intramural sport teams as well as club teams for those who are more competitive.Off campus students can head into Moraga to see the shops and have a bite to eat. A little further down the road is Rheem which had department stores and a bit further is Lafayette which is a quaint little town with multiple restaurants, shops, apartments, and the BART station. You can access all of these places free by riding the County Connection bus line, but BART will take you anywhere you would like, such as San Fran or up to Walnut Creek where most people love to go shopping and watch movies.

As a member of the Honors Community and living in Assumption, I would never have anticipated how wonderful dorm life would be. Our RA's are great resources for upper-classmen knowledge but are also great friends. They keep the peace while also planning great events for the entire hall. We've had a Make Your Own Pizza Night, Star Wars Marathons, Tea and Cookies Wednesdays, Murder Mystery Nights, Guest Speakers and many more. All the people on both floors are very welcoming, always keeping their doors open for social interaction. The RD, Chris Jones affectionately called 'Jonesy', his wife Mary, and their one year old son Owen are the highlight of the top floor as they play games up and down the hall. All in all, the only downside is how far we are from the dinning hall compared to the other halls.

Academic Rigor

Like all colleges, you get out what you put in. The Seminar classes are constructed to be a graduate level course disguised as an undergraduate to help your mind grow beyond simple analysis of texts. These classes, as well as many others, will challenge you to go above and beyond your basic skills, but not so far as to discourage you. They are meant to expand and challenge you to the point of education growth without making you feel discouraged.

Tips for prospective students

If you can, take a tour of Saint Marys' campus. It is beautiful and will give you a sense of how the campus feels. Before accepting to enroll, know that you will be given core requirements that reach into all areas: science, math, English, social justice, common good, religion, and diversity. If you are looking for a large party school on the edge of the city, you might want to apply elsewhere. Saint Mary's, while only a forty minute BART ride away, is situated atop a hilltop overlooking a quaint town. This is a school for education and learning, not a place to party. Though we do through some killer dances and have great speakers/events planned year round. There is always something to do; you simply have to look for it.

In three sentences

Everyday you are challenged to reach beyond yourself to gain knowledge in all areas of your life. Saint Mary's makes education personal, relevant and enjoyable. Coming here will guarantee you an experience that will not only shape your college life and career, but your personal character.

Anne Jolene from Moraga, CA

I want more activities on campus so that I could feel welcome and so I could get more contacts.

Academic Rigor

They put a cap on their classes in a very small campus so the idea that you'll get every class you want is a lie.

Tips for prospective students

I do not recommend living in Assumption because it is secluded from all campus life.

In three sentences

Although they focus on the idea of being inclusive, it is easier to say than done because as a non-caucasian American citizen, it is difficult to include myself in a community filled with students who have known each other since childhood. The college life can be compared to the animals in a way that they outnumber the students that stay on campus. As a sophomore in college, I get no help from the Housing Office about finding an apartment off campus and it significantly changed my opinion of this college.

Michael

Lots of clubs to join, and there is always something going on in the basketball gym or turf field as far as sports go

Great for these types of students

Students who want a good education in one of the most beautiful areas in America. If you like sports, watching or playing, there is plenty to do If you're a huge partier, probably not the place for you, but there is genreally plenty going on if you know the right people

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There is a big SMC sign on the hill and during the first week of school, you can go up and paint it by sliding down one of the letters The basketaball games are a big deal, and I would definitely reccommend joining Gael Force if you want to go to any sporting events.

Bang for the buck

Probably a little overpriced, but there are high qualtity professors, most have at least a masters degree in selected field. A new recreactional center is in progress of being built and will be finished by Spring 2015 and that will be very very nice to have

What to do for fun

Go to hang out/ party whatever in other peoples' rooms Go to dinner in Lafayette, Walnut Creek, or anywhere else in surrounding area Go to San Francisco for the day, BART can take you pretty much anyhwere in the Bay Area and a bus takes you to the closest station from school

Food and Dining

Only 1 dining hall, but the food is pretty good for the most part and the made to order omlets, sandwhiches and salads are the best part.

Dorm Life

Depending on which hall and what kind of people are on your floor, can be very quiet all the way to most peoples doors being open with music and voices filling the hall. Pretty nice quality of dorms for the most part.

Academic Rigor

Generallly a hour to two hours of homework on any given night. Depenidng on teacher can make things more difficult or not

Tips for prospective students

Get the carte-blanche (most expensive) meal plan, it's nice to not worry about going going to eat whenever you want and not worry about using a meal for the week, Particpiate in intramural/club sports if not playing on Varsity. Great way to meet people and stay active. If you have a car and are able to bring it to school, do it. Join Gael Force

In three sentences

A safe, comfortable, small campus, but a good amount to do on campus. A car is recommended if you want to go eat at any restaruant/bar movies etc. Great, hihgly qualified professors that care about what they do and encourage face to face meetings for help.

Martha from Dinuba, CA

07/03/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Comments

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One of the many cool things that we do here at SMC is, during Weekend of Welcome, during which Freshmen get introduced to all things SMC. The Freshmen and some Weekend of Welcome leaders (WOWies) hike up to one of the hills surrounding campus where we have a giant SMC, and the Freshmen get to paint the letters red, blue, and white (our school colors). We got paint all over ourselves and had a lot of fun.

Bang for the buck

The education is great (plus, the business school is among the top-ten returns on investment), and SMC makes sure to offer free things to students. For instance, the Residence Hall Association had a Hunger Games competition/scavenger hunt to give 100 students free tickets to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire premier. My friends and I got to go, so we dressed up as Capitol people and had a blast with our fellow students. SMC has also offered such amazing free activities such as High Tea at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, tickets to a Warriors v. Cavaliers basketball game, and many more.

What to do for fun

At SMC, there is hardly ever a dull moment! We have multiple Division 1 athletic teams (especially our Men's Basketball team:)!), tons of clubs, service opportunities each first Saturday of the month, and the various free activities mentioned below. Also, since Saint Mary's is walking distance from Moraga, Lafayette, and Rheem, and only a bus and BART ride away Walnut Creek.

Food and Dining

Sodexo did a wonderful job of feeding my fellow students and I at Oliver. The staff is generally friendly and caring and the food has great variety day-to-day.

Dorm Life

My room was rather small, but that is typical for freshman dorms at SMC as every freshman is required to live on campus. But, my roommate and I made the arrangement work and actually had one of the more spacious-feeling rooms. My RA and RD's were extremely nice and friendly; my friends and I would sit on the hallway floor and talk with them for hours!

Academic Rigor

The classes are small enough that students are able to ask questions and meet with professors one-on-one and make sure that they are really understanding the material. Though the classes can be difficult, the help from professors has definitely made the difference between an A or a B in my end-of term grades.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to make friends with dorm-mates and hall-mates! You may actually have more in common than you realize. My roommate and I kept our door open during the first week of school and got to know practically all of the other girls on our floor!

In three sentences

I absolutely love attending SMC! The teachers, staff, and other students are welcoming and ready and willing to answer any questions and help you out. The classes are very interesting and close-knit, especially those during Jan Term.

Alec from Santa Maria, CA

There are tons of clubs to participate in and you can always make a club too which is awesom .

Great for these types of students

If you want to grow academically, spiruattly and socially, come to St. Mary's.

Bang for the buck

Its mostly worth i . We get a lot out the education But would like to see more being sent into builidings and students account .

What to do for fun

Being surrounded by the hills, outdoor excursion on weekends is a big part. The City is 45 mid away which is filled with tons of activities and sites to see.

Food and Dining

Well its sodexo so don't get your hopes up

Dorm Life

Evryone needs to spend at least one year living in the dorms because the expierence is like no other.

Academic Rigor

This college will changelle you academilly to allow one to become a well rounded scholar.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved because this college has so many opportunities for students to find something they are interested in. Find something your passionate about and run with it.

In three sentences

St. May's staff is eagaer to help your learning in anyway possible. This school allows for everyone to grow into their best possible self. The students are as friendly as the wildlife wandering throughout campus.

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